Policy 2020

The board recognizes its responsibility for the improvement and growth of the educational program of the schools. To this end, the curriculum shall be evaluated, adapted and developed on a continuing basis. Instructional materials shall be selected to ensure alignment with state learning standards and enable all students to master foundational skills and knowledge to achieve college and career readiness.

Definitions

For the purpose of policy and procedure 2020, the following definitions will apply: Course Design is the process that includes identifying and sequencing essential content supporting students’ skill development towards state learning standards.

Course design involves providing appropriate instructional materials, professional development, and support systems for teachers as they implement the course.

Instructional Materials are all materials designed for use by students and their teachers as learning resources to help students to acquire facts, skills, and/or to develop cognitive processes. These instructional materials, used to help students meet state learning standards, may be printed or digital, and may include textbooks, technology-based materials, other educational media, and assessments. They may carry different licensing types from open to all rights reserved. For the purposes of this policy, there are five categories of instructional materials:

Core Instructional Materials are the primary instructional resources for a given course. They are district-approved and provided to all students to help meet learning standards and provide instruction towards course requirements.

Alternative Core Materials are the primary instructional materials for a given course that are used with a subset of students. These materials are intended to replace approved core materials and may be used for specialized course offerings or flexible learning environments.

Intervention Materials are designed to support strategic or intensive intervention for students who are at risk of not meeting established learning standards. Intervention materials are used with students to accelerate progress toward particular learning goals based on systematic assessment, decision-making, and progress monitoring.

Supplemental Materials are used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course. These items extend and support instruction. They include, but are not limited to, books, periodicals, visual aids, video, sound recordings, computer software and other digital content.

Temporary Supplemental Materials are those items used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course that are of interest or value for a short period of time and are chosen within district-established guidelines. They are not intended to supplant the adopted curriculum nor be used on a regular instructional basis. Examples might include timely articles from relevant, reliable sources, websites, or news broadcasts. The use of temporary supplemental materials for time periods of over one year requires consideration of the material as either part of the core instructional material for a course or supplemental material for the course depending on the nature and scope of the material.

Instructional Materials Committee is the body that makes core instructional materials adoption recommendations to the School Board based on superintendent-established procedures.

Course Design

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for course design that:

• Provide for the regular review of selected content areas and implementation of any suggested changes.
• Provide for involvement of community representatives and staff members at appropriate times.

The superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for curriculum development which provide for involvement of community representatives and staff members at appropriate times, the annual review of selected areas on a cyclical basis, and any suggested changes that should be made as a result of the curriculum study. Such review shall take place at least once during each seven-year period.

Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

The primary objective in selecting instructional materials is to implement, enrich and support the educational program of the schools. All instructional materials shall be selected in conformance with:

A. Applicable state and federal laws,

B. Goals and/or learning standards of the district and state; and

C. Procedures established by the instructional materials committee which address the criteria detailed in the corresponding procedure 2020P.

The board is responsible for the selection of all instructional materials used in the district.

The superintendent, or designee, will establish procedures for core material, alternate core, and intervention material selection and adoption using criteria around evidence-based practices.

The superintendent shall ensure that a listing of all textbooks used within the school curriculum is maintained in every district school and is available for public review either in-person or online.

The intent of the board is that the superintendent delegate responsibility for examining, evaluating, and selecting all supplemental and temporary supplemental materials to the professional staff of the district. This includes preparing all student reading lists. Staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in the selection of high quality supplemental materials that align to state learning standards and are appropriate for the instructional program and developmental level and interests of their students.

Cross References:
Policy 2027 – District Ownership of Staff Created Work

Legal References:
RCW 28A.405.060 Course of study and regulations
RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials — Instructional materials committee
RCW 28A.320.170 Tribal history and culture [as amended by SSB 5433] RCW 28A.150.230 District school directors’ responsibilities
RCW 28A.640 Sexual Equality
WAC 392-190-055 Textbooks and instructional materials- Scope – Elimination of bias
WAC 180-44-010 Responsibilities related to instruction

Management Resources:
2015 December Issue

 

 

La Center School District Adopted: June 26th, 2007; Revised October 25th, 2016